South Wheeling Historic District to be Discussed

Wheeling Heritage will host a public meeting about the possibility of adding the South Wheeling neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places. The informational meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at the South Wheeling Preservation Alliance headquarters, 3501 Jacob St.

At this meeting, officials will share information and address questions about the designation that Wheeling Heritage is seeking on behalf of 133 properties in the South Wheeling neighborhood. The proposed district stretches roughly from Water to Jacob streets, from 35th to 39th streets.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of buildings, structures, objects and sites recognized for their importance to local, state or national history. In order to be eligible for inclusion, the property must retain its historic integrity and may be recognized for its connections to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture.

“Being on the National Register will highlight South Wheeling’s historical importance. The neighborhood played an integral role in Wheeling’s development as an industrial powerhouse during the 20th century,” said Bekah Karelis, project manager at Wheeling Heritage.

“This designation would not, in any way, prevent a property owner from making changes to his or her building. This just helps to bring some recognition to the neighborhood, while also giving property owners some grant opportunities,” she said.

Representatives from Wheeling Heritage, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the South Wheeling Preservation Alliance will speak with property owners and interested community members at the meeting.

The Wheeling Landmarks Commission and Wheeling Heritage received a grant from the W.Va. State Historic Preservation Office that will help offset the cost to complete neighborhood’s designation.